12-07-2025
A Rangers Offensive Lineup That Could Be A Big Winner
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Summertime is fantasy time and one of the Fischler Family's pastimes is guessing an offensive line up that Rangers coach Mike Sullivan will present on opening night.
In consultation with my hockey-savvy son Simon and equally puck-smart grandson Ariel, The Maven has produced four potential forward lines which could work.
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See if you agree:
ARTEMI PANARIN-MIKA ZIBANEJAD-ALEXIS LAFRENIERE: Two out of three – Mika and Big Al – have something to prove which means that they are motivated. That's a plus right there; along with the natural talent we all know that they have. To really make this unit work, two things have to happen. Z must awaken to his defensive responsibilities, while Big Al must wake up. Period! None of this is impossible under the "New Voice" coach and with the able assistance of Breadman Panarin who'll produce no matter what.
J.T. MILLER-VINCENT TROCHECK-GABE PERREAULT: The potential here is tremendous. J.T. will thrive now that he has had a chunk of Rangers hockey under his belt and, furthermore, loves being back in a Blue shirt. Vinnie T is reliable in every way and could wind up being captain by opening night. Perreault, an amazing passer, will bring a rookie's natural energy combined with the creativity of an exceptional hockey mind. It wouldn't surprise The Maven, nor Simon, nor Ariel if this unit winds up being the club's No. 1 line by Christmas.
BRENNAN OTHMANN-WILL CUYLLE-TAYLOR RADDYSH: Every team needs a Kid Line and this one may be the Young Turks trio that the Rangers have longed for. Cuylle is my choice as the club's 2025-26 MVP and he's still growing as a player. The trick here is for Othmann to follow the Cuylle model. With plenty of ice time, Brennan should emerge as a solid scorer. Ariel foresees Taylor Raddysh – ex of Washington – as the sleeper of the bunch.
The Rangers Glass Bangers
The Rangers Glass Bangers Standing near the Zamboni entrance for many years, The Maven has become fascinated with a relatively new, rooting cult which I have named "The Rangers Glass Bangers."
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ADAM EDSTROM-MATT REMPE-BRETT BERARD: Simon says that this will be the Rangers version of an Identity Line. Size and energy will be the outfit's hallmark along with a large measure of intimidation. The Skating Waterbug, Berard, should be the perfect catalyst. As long as Rempe can control his aggression and stay out of the penalty box, this fourth unit could be the very surprise envy of the league.
